Saffie Osborne: The 24-year-old female jockey making history at the St Leger
The result of the 250th St Leger Stakes was a monumental moment as a female jockey won a British Classic for the first time. Stuart Minting reports.
History was made at Doncaster as Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to win a British Classic horse race when she triumphed in the 250th running of the St Leger Stakes.
The 24-year-old from Winchester partnered the Joseph O’Brien trained Highwayman to victory on Town Moor, receiving her trophy from a delighted Princess Royal.
“I let myself dream a bit through the week about how incredible that would be if that happened (winning), but I had to bring myself back to reality and think that’s never going to happen,” she said on Sunday after her historic victory.
“Yesterday was easily by far the best day of my life. A feeling that I will never forget and I’m still on a bit of a high.
"I had so many people to thank and in front of such a big crowd as well. It was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. I couldn’t believe it when I crossed the line.
“Yesterday was one of the first days I’ve let myself feel every emotion on a horse. I’ve tried not to get too high or too low as it’s gets to be a very uncomfortable rollercoaster.”
Osborne became an apprentice jockey in 2020 and only months later sustained broken ribs, a punctured lung and a broken arm in a fall while riding at Windsor.
She added her victory was the opposite of lying in a hospital bed or getting beaten on a horse in a big race.
"Yesterday was so special because I’ve been in places where I put so much pity on myself and thinking ‘when is this going to happen’?”
Osborne, who is the daughter of Yorkshire-raised former National Hunt jockey and now trainer Jamie Osborne and equine artist Katie O’Sullivan, does not anticipate facing any problems climbing down off cloud nine and going back to the day job, adding: “We get fairly used to that (dropping back to everyday races) and I feel very lucky to get to do this job everyday and I don’t take it for granted.
“I try not to think about these things and I don’t know when the next opportunities are going to arrive. First and foremost I know this job isn’t forever and I try to enjoy it as much as possible.
“Everyone dreams of being champion jockey. but I want to just keep loving it as much as I do.”
Osborne’s victory on Town Moor has thrust her into the betting for the BBC’s Sports Personality Of The Year, with William Hill quoting her at 10-1 to win.
Her victory came on day three of the four day festival, which saw 60,000 racegoers attend across the entire event, a 16 per cent increase on last year and the biggest crowd since 2015, with up to 30,000 people attending to watch the St Leger Stakes last Saturday.
Rachel Harwood, executive director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “We’ve been delighted by the incredible response from guests throughout the festival, and it has been a privilege to celebrate such a significant milestone in the history of the Betfred St Leger with so many people, including The Princess Royal.
“I am immensely proud to be the custodian of this remarkable race at this moment in its history.
“None of us truly owns the Betfred St Leger; our responsibility is to care for it, celebrate its heritage and ensure it continues to thrive for the generations who will follow us.
“Since 1776, racing has helped shape our city, bringing people together, attracting visitors from across Britain and around the world, and providing opportunities and careers for generations of local people.
“From the style and atmosphere of Betfred Ladies Day, to seeing past jockeys race in the Leger Legends race on Betfred Gents Day and hearing the roar of the crowd during the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes itself, this year's festival has created so many unforgettable moments.
"Betfred Sunday Funday then provided a fitting finale to an outstanding four days, with families and racegoers enjoying a fantastic combination of racing and entertainment.
“Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us.
"Whether this was your first visit to Doncaster Racecourse or the continuation of a family tradition stretching back generations, you are now part of the Betfred St Leger's story too.
"In another 250 years, people will still tell the story of the St Leger.”
The Leger Legends, also held last Saturday, which raises vital funds for the The Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House this year featured the recently-retired Joe Fanning, Tom Scudamore from the jumping ranks and even JJ Hamblett of Union J pop fame.
The race was won by Grand National-winning jockey Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden, 40, on Tolstoy, who was trained by Malton trainer Brian Ellison.